Tips & Trends

Museum Technology Solutions: 5 Tools Helping Cultural Institutions Thrive

Museum Technology Solutions refer to the different ways Museum from around the world are applying emerging digital trends into the visitor engagement world for cultural institutions. In this text we explain in detail how these are composed and provide 5 great examples showcasing their different appliances with real world cases.

From Slay to Rizz: How 9 Museums Embrace New Trends & Lingo to Connect with Gen Z in Age of Brat Summer

Museums around the world are finding creative ways to connect with younger audiences by embracing Gen Z slang. From interactive social media campaigns to modern exhibit descriptions, these nine museums have successfully incorporated trendy language to make cultural experiences more relatable and engaging for today’s youth.

How Ticketing Software for Museums Saves Time and Money

From reducing operational costs to improving visitor experiences, learn how digital ticketing software helps museums save time and money while driving engagement. Discover the benefits of automated systems and data analytics in the world of cultural institutions.

Headed to AAM 2024? Here are the top 12 Baltimore Musts

If the next big thing on your schedule is the Annual Meeting of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in Baltimore this May, then you must prepare to discover the heritage, culture, and culinary delights of Charm City as well. Here's a curated list to make the most of your time.


1. Connect with the World at the Baltimore Museum of Art

Baltimore Museum of Art by Mike Steele

Step into a world of cultural enrichment and thought-provoking, where access to art catalyzes positive change. Founded over a century ago on this belief, the BMA is growing while maintaining historical accuracy and parity. Wander through the galleries filled with masterpieces that ignite the imagination and engage with the diverse array of programs and events that celebrate the transformative power of art.


2. Discover History at the Baltimore Museum of Industry

Neons at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Source: Marcin Wichary

Step back in time and explore Baltimore's industrial legacy, learning the stories of innovation, labor, and commerce that defined Baltimore's role in shaping American industry. Located in a strikingly restored 1860s oyster cannery, this museum offers interactive exhibits and immersive experiences that recall the country's creative and entrepreneurial spirit.


3. Explore and Wonder at the Walters Art Museum

The Salon Room, Source: Lucas

Indulge your artistic senses at the Walters Art Museum, home to an extensive collection covering thousands of years, diverse cultures, and masterpieces from around the globe. Housed in a historic building that's as breathtaking as the treasures it contains, this 90-year-old museum will make for a great intercultural learning experience.


4. Soak in the Beauty of the Inner Harbor

Baltimore Inner Harbor through top of the world observation level, Source: Rupa Panda

From waterfront boulevards to iconic landmarks like the USS Constellation and the National Aquarium, this incredible place offers something for everyone. Hop on a harbor cruise for panoramic views of the city skyline, relax in the maritime ambiance of this bustling waterfront district, or go to the "Top of the world observation level" to view and feel the city's beauty.


5. Unwind at the Johns Hopkins University's Sheridan Libraries

The George Peabody Library, courtesy of the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division

Home to over 4.5 million volumes, rare manuscripts, and archival treasures, these libraries offer scholars, researchers, and bibliophiles a true intellectual oasis. Take a guided tour of the magnificent George Peabody Library and experience the wonder of knowledge preserved through the (p)ages.


6. Pay Homage to Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry, Source: Ken Lund

Stand on the very same ground where Francis Scott Key composed the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and relive a fundamental moment in American History at Fort McHenry. Explore the fort's ramparts, barracks, and exhibits that commemorate the War of 1812, and catch the daily flag-changing ceremony to commemorate the city's enduring spirit of liberty and patriotism.


7. Dive into the Wonders of the National Aquarium

National Aquarium in Baltimore, Source: Brian Wilson

Experience the mesmerizing world beneath the waves at the National Aquarium, a beacon of marine conservation and education in Baltimore's Inner Harbor – and a Cuseum customer! Home to over 20,000 animals from the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, the aquarium offers captivating exhibits, interactive experiences, and a commitment to ocean stewardship that inspires generations to fight for our oceans.


8. Enter the Poe Portal: Literature in Baltimore and the Poe App

Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum by Bohemian Baltimore

Step into the haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe with a Cuseum-developed App for the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. Dig into the life and legacy of the master of macabre literature with Augmented Reality while strolling through special exhibits and tours in the museum and the city. Immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious realms of Poe's mind through rare artifacts, manuscripts, and memorabilia. The app is continuously updated with new content to enrich your experience every time you visit!


Make a scape at noon or unwind after an exhausting day to include in your schedule a culinary trek through Baltimore's dining scene…

9. Maryland Crab Cakes at Faidley's Seafood

Faidley's Seafood, Source: Baltimore Heritage

Treat your taste buds to Baltimore's culinary crown jewel – the Maryland crab cake – at Faidley's Seafood. With over a century of seafood mastery, Faidley's has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for crab connoisseurs and enthusiasts.


10. Culinary Creativity at Woodberry Kitchen

Grilled Oysters at Woodberry Kitchen, Source: kslee

Discover a hidden gem of Chesapeake cuisine in a beautifully converted 19th-century mill, where you can indulge in farm-to-table dishes that have been given a contemporary twist. Immerse yourself in the bounty of the region as you savor the unique flavors and textures, surrounded by an elegant and cozy ambiance.


11. Authentic Baltimore Pit Beef at Chaps Pit Beef

Chap’s Pit Beef, Source: ballpit

Experience the true essence of Baltimore's culinary heritage with the succulent pit beef sandwiches, which have even been featured in Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri’s TV shows. This mouthwatering dish is a feast for the senses that will leave an unforgettable impression on your taste buds.


12. Raise a Glass at Sagamore Spirit Distillery

Sagamore Spirit Distillery

Toast to the spirit of Baltimore at Sagamore Spirit Distillery, where award-winning rye whiskey flows freely amid waterfront views and industrial charm. Take a guided tour of the distillery, learn about the art of whiskey making, and sample a flight of handcrafted spirits that pay homage to Maryland's rich distilling heritage.


Bonus Track: Check out this thorough guide of Baltimore’s Arts & Culture Guide and find the perfect match for your creative cravings.

And last but not least… Connect with Cuseum at Booth 5614!

While you explore Baltimore during AAM 2024, don't forget to visit our booth (5614) at the MuseumExpo. Let's see how we can team up to improve museum experiences and engage your audience in innovative and exciting ways. Looking forward to seeing you at the conference!

Exploring Columbus During AZA 2023: Top 6 Attractions and Activities You Can't Miss

If you’re packing your bags for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 2023 Conference, you're in for an inspiring and educational journey. However, no trip is complete without taking some time to explore the local sights and sounds, especially when you’re visiting a city as vibrant and diverse as Columbus, Ohio. Beyond conference sessions, presentations, and networking events, make sure to allocate some time to discover what this Midwest gem has to offer.

Here are six fun things to do while you’re in town:

Unlocking Membership Growth: Top 5 Insights from MGI's 2023 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report

Diving into Marketing General Incorporated’s latest Membership Marketing Benchmarking Survey reveals a masterclass on how associations have brilliantly adapted in a post-pandemic world, carving a path to impressive membership growth. At Cuseum, our mission is amplifying member engagement and loyalty for associations. To supercharge your strategies, we've handpicked and streamlined the 2023 report's crucial takeaways. 

Ready to unlock the top 5 transformative insights? Let's dive in!

Powering Your Park or Garden with the Magic of the Loyalty Loop

Just like you, every park and garden is on a quest for innovative strategies to magnetize, captivate, and keep their visitors, members, and supporters coming back for more. Ever thought of putting a fresh spin on customer loyalty? Say hello to… The Loyalty Loop!

6 Transformative Mobile Technology Trends for Museums and Cultural Organizations

The mobile landscape, and related consumer behavior, are evolving rapidly. Right now, factors like the booming e-commerce industry and fresh potential of SMS marketing hold great promise for the cultural sector, and may have a defining impact on museums in the years to come.

Read on to discover seven mobile technology trends that could shape the future of cultural organizations.

Mastering Digital Membership Card Adoption: Proven Strategies from Industry Leaders

Planning a Digital Membership Card launch or looking to boost engagement? Amplifying adoption is vital to your organization's success. We hosted a webinar featuring industry leaders Kelsey Brown, Membership Manager at the Oakland Zoo, and Melissa Smith, Director of Alumni Marketing and Special Events at the University of Tennessee Alumni Association, each of whom achieved a digital card adoption rate of over 70%. They provided invaluable insights and effective strategies to improve digital card usage and extract more value from membership initiatives. Dive in to learn key strategies and takeaways from their success story in ramping up digital card adoption rates.

6 ways personalization can supercharge alumni engagement

Personalization is the backbone of modern marketing, and alumni engagement is no exception. Already, 80% of U.S. consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand that offers personalized experiences. But, in Cuseum’s November-December 2020 survey of over 150 alumni relations professionals, 77% believed that they need to offer more personalized engagement to their constituents.

That’s a big disconnect!

If you’re interested in getting the lowdown on alumni personalization, we’re here to help. Here, we’ll break down the what, the why, and the how of personalization – let’s dive in!

Headed to the #CAMMP2023 Alumni Relations Conference? Here are 5 Fun Things to Do in Boulder!

Headed to this year's Council of Alumni Marketing and Membership Professionals conference in Boulder, Colorado? Our blog post highlights the top five attractions that you can't miss. Discover Boulder's vibrant shopping scene, scenic hiking trails, enchanting teahouses, buzzing brewery tours, and unique dining experiences. Make the most of your visit to this charming mountain city!

Let's delve into this pressing issue.

Unlocking Loyalty: 5 Tech-Driven Tactics for Enhancing Alumni Relationships

In an era marked by vast digital expansion and e-commerce proliferation, customer and constituent retention has taken a significant hit across various industries, including alumni associations. With evidence supporting the fact that nurturing current alumni members is five times cheaper than recruiting new ones, the focus should be on fostering enduring relationships and transforming members into dedicated supporters. Despite this, alumni associations often spend 11 times more on recruitment! So, how can we pivot towards building lasting connections and fostering enthusiastic advocacy?

Let's delve into this pressing issue.

A Simple Secret to Adoption Success: Resending Digital Membership Cards

Whether you're in the early stages of launching your digital membership program or seeking renewed inspiration, enhancing adoption is a fundamental strategy to streamline services, elevate member experiences, and drive greater engagement and retention. The good news is that boosting adoption doesn't have to be complex. In fact, sometimes the simplest strategies, like resending digital membership cards, can do wonders! Let's take a look at this simple yet effective strategy:

Nurturing Engaged Alumni in the Digital Era: 6 Essential Strategies for Success

In a time characterized by online engagement and pervasive digital access to social and professional networks, how can alumni associations facilitate the transformation of students and recent graduates into engaged alumni? Here are 6 crucial tips to assist you and your organization in smoothly transitioning students into proactive, committed members of your alumni community.

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